Finding the right physiotherapist for you

Physiotherapists see a wide range of clients who come to them seeking treatment for a number of conditions, from muscular injuries right through to asthma and rehabilitation after an accident. If you’ve never had physiotherapy before, it can be a bit confusing to know where to start when it comes to choosing a physiotherapist that’s right for you.

It can be made easier if you have been referred to a physiotherapist by your doctor or healthcare professional, but here’s some tips to make things a bit easier if you’re finding a physiotherapist from scratch.

Check their registrationAll physiotherapists working in New Zealand must be registered and hold a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. If in doubt, you can check if your physiotherapist is registered by searching the Physiotherapy Boards register onlinehere. The Board makes sure that all practicing physiotherapists are qualified, competent and that their skills are updated frequently.

Method of treatment and area of specialisationPhysiotherapists in New Zealand use a wide range of treatments including:

Exercise programmes

Manipulation and mobilisation

Lifestyle advice

Education to prevent future injury

Acupuncture

Massage

Hydrotherapy

Physiotherapy works with a wide range of health problems and physios often choose to concentrate their expertise on a particular area. Areas of practice can include;

Credentials: what to look forAll physiotherapists are health professionals required to have a university degree (often from Auckland University of Technology or Otago University) at a minimum. Many New Zealand physiotherapists go on to further levels of study and areas of specialization.

Finally – and some would say most importantly – it’s worth finding a physiotherapist you gel with and feel comfortable around. This can be done by getting word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends. Some people also place high importance on finding a physiotherapist that is in their area, therefore making appointments more convenient to their proximity and schedules.

One of the easiest ways to search for a physiotherapist by location or area of practice is by popping along to ourFind a Physiopage.